[Population's acceptance and attitude toward a novel fecal immunochemical test for colorectal cancer screening: a multi-center survey in China].

Objective: To investigate the acceptance and attitude toward a novel fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in colorectal cancer screening among populations in China. Methods: From May 2018 to May 2019, 2 474 people aged 50-74 years were recruited from five provinces of China (Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hunan and Yunnan). The general demographic characteristics, acceptance of the new FIT technology and operational difficulties through the whole screening process were obtained through questionnaire survey. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors related to difficulties encountered in sampling stool, reading and uploading results. Results: The subjects were (60.0±6.4) years old, and female, high school of above educated, unemployed/retired/other, married and with medical insurance status of "new rural cooperative medical care (NRCMC)" accounted for 61.7% (1 526), 29.0%(718), 34.3% (849), 92.7% (2 293) and 31.3%(775), respectively. The population's acceptance of the FIT technology was 94.8%. In the process of FIT screening, the percentage of occurred difficulties in sampling stool, reading and uploading results were 33.1% (819), 46.4% (1 147) and 62.9% (1 557), respectively. The main difficulties were the uncertainty about whether the sampling operation was standard (28.0%), the inability to accurately judge the result displayed (32.5%) and the need for help without using a smartphone (44.2%). The results of multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that people aged 65-74 years old and with medical insurance status of "NRCMC" were more likely to encounter difficulties in sampling, and those who were unemployed/retired/other and living with 3 or more family members were less likely to encounter difficulties in sampling. Those aged 65-74 years old, farmers or migrant workers, and those with "NRCMC" were more likely to encounter difficulties in readingresults, and those with 3 or more family members were less likely to encounter difficulties in reading result. Those with "NRCMC" were more likely to encounter difficulties in uploading results, and those with education level of high school or above, living with more than 3 family members were less likely to encounter difficulties in uploading results. Conclusion: The acceptance of the new FIT technology is relatively high among the subjects. Age, education level, occupation, number of family members living together and medical insurance status might be related to difficulties encountered in sampling stool, reading and uploading results, and it can be further strengthened in terms of the technology and characteristics of sub-populations.

Circ_CHFR expedites cell growth, migration and inflammation in ox-LDL-treated human vascular smooth muscle cells via the miR-214-3p/Wnt3/ß-catenin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis (AS) is a representative inflammatory vascular disease. This study explored the molecular pathogenesis of AS based on circular RNA (circRNA), the checkpoint with forkhead-associated and ring-finger domains (circ_CHFR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cell model of AS in vitro was established by stimulating human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The RNA expression was measured by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell viability and colony formation ability were separately evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assay. Cell migration was assessed via the transwell assay. The inflammation injury was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associated proteins were determined through Western blot. The combination of hypothetic targets was ascertained using Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: Circ_CHFR was up-regulated in AS serums and ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs. Circ_CHFR depletion weakened the ox-LDL-induced promotion of cell growth, migration and inflammation in VSMCs. Circ_CHFR positively regulated Wnt3 expression and the downregulation of Wnt3 abrogated the ox-LDL-triggered injuries in VSMCs. Circ_CHFR functioned as the sponge of microRNA-214-3p (miR-214-3p) and miR-214-3p targeted Wnt3. Circ_CHFR regulated cell growth, migration and inflammation via regulating the expression of Wnt3 as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-214 in ox-LDL-treated VSMCs. Circ_CHFR/miR-214-3p axis mediated the Wnt3/ß-catenin signal pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Circ_CHFR contributed to the progression of AS through the miR-214-3p/Wnt3/ß-catenin signals, which illuminated the molecular mechanism of AS and suggested circ_CHFR might be an index for AS treatment.

Long non-coding RNA ZEB1-AS1 is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer and promotes cancer cell metastasis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1-AS1 (lncRNA ZEB1-AS1) in gastric cancer cells and tissues, to study its effect on the gastric cancer cell metastasis capacity, and analyze its clinical significance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The relative expression level of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 in gastric cancer cells was detected via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Transwell assay was used to detect the effects of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 on the invasion and metastasis capacities of gastric cancer cells. qRT-PCR was used to detect the relative expression level of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 in 75 pairs of gastric cancer tissues, and the correlations of its expression with the pathological characteristics and prognosis of patients were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: qRT-PCR showed that compared with that in the normal gastric epithelial cell (GES-1), the expression level of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 was up-regulated in gastric cancer cells (MKN28, MKN45, BGC823, MGC803, KATOIII, and SGC7901). LncRNA ZEB1-AS1 interfering sequence was transfected into model cells, and Transwell assay showed that the cell invasion and migration capacities were significantly inhibited. qRT-PCR also revealed that the expression of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 was up-regulated in 55 out of 75 cases of gastric cancer and para-carcinoma tissues (fold change > 1). Statistical analysis showed that the high expression of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 was positively correlated with TNM staging (p = 0.002), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002), and invasion degree (p = 0.004). The survival time of patients with high expression of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 in gastric cancer tissues was shorter than that of patients with low expression (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA ZEB1-AS1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells, and it is expected to be a new prognostic marker of gastric cancer used for the clinical diagnosis and prognostic evaluation. After intervention in lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 expression, the cell invasion and migration are inhibited, and lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 may be an important target to reverse the malignant phenotype of gastric cancer.

Versatile multiple protein nanopatterning within a microfluidic channel for cell recruitment studies.

A novel approach combining self-assembly-based colloidal lithography and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micromolding to generate complex protein nanopatterns for studying the mechanisms of leukocyte extravasation within microchannels is presented. Nanostructured surfaces sealed onto PDMS-molded microchannels are chemically functionalized in situ in an all-aqueous process to generate bi-functional chemical nanopatterns. Subsequent co-immobilization with proteins makes use of common non-covalent coupling (e.g. HIS-tags, FC-tags and biotin-tags), giving nanopatterns of arbitrary combinations of oriented, functional proteins. Up to three different proteins were simultaneously co-immobilized into the microchannel with nanoscale precision, demonstrating the complex patterns. As a proof-of-principle, a mimic of an inflamed endothelium was constructed using a macro- and nanoscale pattern of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) and P-selectin, and the response of leukocytes through live cell imaging was measured. A clear result on the rolling behavior of the cells was observed with rolling limited to areas where ICAM1 and P-selectin are present. This micro/nano-interface will open new doors to investigations of how spatial distributions of proteins control cellular activity.

Measurement of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by Hb-enzyme release assay (Hb-ERA).

A non-isotope method, hemoglobin-enzyme release assay (Hb-ERA), for measuring antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) has been successfully developed. The assay is based on the fact that hemoglobin has peroxidase activity capable of catalyzing the oxidation of o-phenylenediamine to give coloration which can be measured by spectrophotometer. In comparison to the conventional 51Cr release assay, Hb-ERA is economic, sensitive, reproducible and does not have the shortcomings associated with manipulation of radioactive substances. It is applicable in clinical and research laboratories of any scale. The optimum conditions for the assay are as follows: an effector cell: target cell ratio of 10:1 and an incubation period of 14-16 h at 37 degrees C in 5% CO2. The splenic ADCC activity of mice was measured. The cytotoxic index of mice aged 10-14 weeks (39.71 +/- 11.19) was significantly higher than that of 20-24 week-old mice (18.42 +/- 10.31) (P less than 0.001). The ADCC activity is not influenced by sex. The merits and drawbacks of Hb-ERA are objectively evaluated.

An affinity chromatography-gel filtration device for preparing thyroid microsomal antigen.

On the basis of conventional differential centrifugation for preparing crude thyroid microsomal antigen (TMAg), we have employed Sepharose 4B gel filtration and affinity chromatography separately to study the elution pattern in terms of absorbance and antigenic activity. The result indicates that thyroglobulin (TG) exists in two forms in crude TMAg, i.e., 'free TG' and 'membrane-bound TG'. TMAg is present in two forms in the eluate: (1) the TM fragment or TMAg polymer, which is produced at a higher rate and has greater antigenic activity, but which is less pure; (2) soluble TMAg, which is produced at a lower rate and has less antigenic activity, but which is more pure. We have developed an affinity chromatography-gel filtration (AC-GF) device which is a combination of affinity chromatography and a Sepharose 4B column. Sephadex G-50 is placed between the rubber stopper and Sepharose 4B in the GF column to ensure intactness of the entire system. With such a device, the AC removes the contaminated TG from TM homogenate, and allows the latter to pass directly from AC to GF for rechromatography. This device extracts the full advantages of both methods and each compensates for any deficiency of the other. Using this one-step procedure, one has the greatest chance of removing TG and obtaining TM fragments of TMAg polymers of higher antigenic activity, as well as separating small amounts of more purified soluble TMAg. Thus, the newly developed method meets the need of large quantities of TMAg for practical application, and at the same time the more purified preparations can be used for analytical purposes.

Measurement and clinical significance of thyroid microsomal and thyroglobulin antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Using the thyroid microsomal antigen(TMAg) prepared by affinity chromatography gel filtration method of sufficient purity, we measured the TM antibody (TMAb) level by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 103 normal persons and 183 patients with various thyroid disorders (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, hypothyroidism, subacute thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, thyroid adenoma and simple goiter). The thyroglobulin antibody (TCAb). T3 and T4 were also measured at the same time. Based on the measurement of TMAb and TGAb of the thyroid diseases and analysis of their incidences and titer, our data strongly support that ELISA using purified TM and TG is a very useful and promising method for diagnosis and distinguishing autoimmune from non-autoimmune thyroid disease, and also can be employed in monitoring the development and studying the pathogenesis of the disease. We found that there is a negative correlation between TMAb titer and T3, T4 values (P less than 0.01) which has not been reported before in the literature. According to the result of the study, we suggest an immunological classification of thyroid diseases.

CT detection of wrist bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis.

A correlative radiographic and CT study of the wrists of 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was reported. The results showed that sensitivity of CT in detecting wrist erosion is superior to that of conventional radiograph. Accordingly, wrist CT scanning is useful for early diagnosis of RA.

Effect of sex hormones on NK and ADCC activity of mice.

The effect of pharmacologic doses of sex hormones on NK and ADCC activity against YAC-1 lymphoma and CRBC target cells was studied. Estradiol (E) and testosterone (T) administration for 2 weeks caused a substantial reduction of splenic NK activity in TA3 mice of either sex. In prolonging the treatment time, the intensity of suppression was gradually increased. Both E and T have apparently no inhibitory effect on ADCC activity of TA3 mice, although the ADCC activity slightly increased in the early stage of T treatment. The ADCC activity of T-treated male mice was slightly higher than that of E-treated males. Passive transfer of the splenic mononuclear cells and serum of treated mice does not affect the NK and ADCC activity of normal recipient mice. Addition of different concentrations of sex hormones into the culture medium or pre-treatment of effector cells for 12h failed to change the NK and ADCC activity of murine splenic cells.

[Comparative study of TRBC receptor and E receptor on T lymphocytes of human and macaque].

In 1985, rosette formation of human and macaque pan-T lymphocytes with tree shrew red blood cells (TRBC) (TRBC rosette) was first found by Ben K et al, showing different physico-chemical properties from that of rosette formation with sheep red blood cells (E-rosette). In order to approach the correlation between TRBC receptor, E receptor (CD2) and other differentiation antigens (CDs) on T lymphocytes, rosette inhibition assay and antigenic modulation or co-modulation were performed with monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) to CDs, and the distribution of TRBC receptor in other peripheral immunocytes, cell lines was also examined. TRBC rosette appeared in 88.8% of E rosette positive peripheral blood lymphocytes (E(+)-PBL) and in 4.16% of E(-)-PBL. TRBC receptor was also found on all T cell lines tested (CEM, H33 HJ-JA 1, Jurkat, MLA-144, Molt-3, Molt-4, Molt-4 clone 8, PEER) and some myeloid lines (U 937 and HL 60), but not on human granulocytes, B cell lines (Daudi, Raji and Reh) and myeloid line K 562. The modulation or co-modulation of CD 3, TCR, CD 5, CD 6 and CD 7 with McAbs OKT 3, T 108 (F 1), T 136 (F 101-15), T 149 (M-T 604) and T 152 (7 G 5) did not affect TRBC rosette formation of PBL. TRBC rosette of human and rhesus monkey PBL was not inhibited by T 11.1 McAb OKT 11 (CD 2 McAb), in contrast human and rhesus monkey E rosette formations were obviously blocked at inhibition rates of 77.9% and 49.3%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biologically active substances from the genus Artemisia.

Artemisia species, widespread in nature, are frequently utilized for the treatment of diseases such as malaria, hepatitis, cancer, inflammation, and infections by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Furthermore, some Artemisia constituents were found to be potential insecticides and allelopathic chemicals. This genus is receiving growing attention presumably due to: (i) the diversified biology and chemistry of the constituents, (ii) the frequent application in traditional medical practice, and (iii) the rich source of the plant material. This review summarizes mainly the biological results obtained in the past decade. The significance and trends in this field are briefly discussed.

Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of the compounds from Euphorbia kansui.

Eleven compounds including four triterpenes, one sterol, and six diterpenes from E kansui had been assayed for their cytotoxicity and activiral activity. The relations between structures and bioactivities have also been noted.

Two flavones from Artemisia giraldii and their antimicrobial activity.

Two new flavones, 4',6,7-trihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxy-flavone (2) and 5',5- dihydroxy-3',4',8-trimethoxyflavone (3) were isolated from Artemisia giraldii and their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods. These two new flavones showed antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus sp. Aspergillus flavus, and Trichoderma viride.

Mono- and sesquiterpenes and antifungal constituents from Artemisia species.

In addition to beta-sitosterol and alpha-amyrin detected in all the investigated species, the extract of the aerial parts of Artemisia giraldii var. giraldii gave stigmasterol, daucosterol, sesamine, luteolin, eupafolin, hispidulin, eupatilin, belamcanidin, pinitol, artemin, ridentin, and a new antifungal monoterpene (named santolinylol) while that of the aerial parts of A. mongolica afforded sesamine, eupafolin, eupatilin, matricarin, and a new germacranolide (3-oxo-11 alpha H-germacra-1(10)E,4Z-dien-12,6 alpha-olide), and that of the aerial parts of A. vestita yielded stigmasterol, daucosterol, umbelliferone, scopolin, scoparone, and isoscopoletin-O-glucoside. Pinitol, first reisolated from Artemisia genus, was shown to inhibit the growth of the human pathogenic fungi Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Geotrichun candidum, Trichophyton rubrum, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Umbelliferone was also active against Candida tropicalis, A. flavus, G. candidum, T. rubrum, and E. floccosum. The flavones hispidulin and belamcanidin were almost equally inhibitory to the growth of A. flavus, G. candidum, T. rubrum, and E. floccosum, and santolinylol to C. albicans, A. flavus, A. niger, G. candidum, T. rubrum, and E. floccosum. In addition, ridentin was active against the growth of the plant pathogenic fungus Cladosporium cucumerinum.